Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2 in 'Star Wars,' dead at 81

JILL LAWLESS

Published 1:24 pm, Saturday, August 13, 2016

Photo: Reed Saxon

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CORRECTS BAKER'S AGE. FILE- In this Saturday, May 26, 2007 file photo, actor Kenny Baker, who portrayed the R2-D2 in the first Star Wars movie, signs autographs at Star Wars Celebration IV, billed as the world's biggest Star Wars party, marking the 30th anniversary of the release of the first film in the Star Wars saga, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Baker, 81, has died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016. His niece, Abigail Shield, said he was found dead by a nephew on Saturday at his home in northwest England after a long illness. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File) less

CORRECTS BAKER'S AGE. FILE- In this Saturday, May 26, 2007 file photo, actor Kenny Baker, who portrayed the R2-D2 in the first Star Wars movie, signs autographs at Star Wars Celebration IV, billed as the ... more

Photo: Reed Saxon

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FILE - In this Dec. 1, 2008 file photo, "Star Wars" characters C-3PO, left, and R2D2 arrive at the American Cinematheque Award gala honoring Samuel L. Jackson in Beverly Hills, Calif. Actor Kenny Baker, who portrayed the R2-D2 in the first Star Wars movie, has died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016. His niece, Abigail Shield, said he was found dead by a nephew on Saturday at his home in northwest England after a long illness.(AP Photo/Matt Sayles) less

LONDON (AP) — Kenny Baker played the lovable droid R2-D2 in the "Star Wars" films, achieving cult status and fans' adulation without showing his face or speaking any lines.

The 3-foot 8-inch (1.1 meter) performer — a word he preferred to actor — inside the waste-bin-shaped costume has died at 81. Baker's nephew and carer, Drew Myerscough, said he found Baker dead Saturday at his home in Preston, northwest England.

Myerscough told Sky News that Baker had suffered years of breathing problems, "which he had borne very bravely." He said the affection of "Star Wars" fans around the world "kept him going, without any doubt."

"He was amazed that, even after 30-odd years, the fans still basically adored him," Myerscough said.

Baker's agent, Johnny Mans, confirmed his death. He said Baker was "one of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet, and a fabulous and talented performer."

Mark Hamill, the "Star Wars" series' Luke Skywalker, tweeted: "Goodbye #KennyBaker A lifelong loyal friend-I loved his optimism & determination. He WAS the droid I was looking for!" — a reference to a famous line from the first film.

Actor Ewan McGregor, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in three "Star Wars" movies, tweeted: "So sorry to hear about this. It was lovely working with Kenny."

Born to a music-loving family in the central England city of Birmingham on Aug 24, 1934, Baker started performing at 16 as part of a troupe called "Burton Lester's Midgets."

Baker told The Associated Press in 1985 that Burton had asked him "What can you do?' I said I could roller skate, ride a bike and whistle. I joined them and did all that, and conjuring tricks, played drums and comedy routines as well."

Baker later worked as a DJ and circus clown, and as half a comedy-musical duo called the Mini-Tones with Jack Purvis, who also appeared in the "Star Wars" films.

Fame came when he was cast as the actor inside R2-D2's cylindrical robot costume in 1977's "Star Wars."

"I worked the levers," he told the AP.

Baker said he initially turned down the part. In an interview on his website, he said he told director George Lucas "I don't want to be stuck in a robot, what for, for goodness sake?"

Eventually, he said he told Lucas, "I'll help you out."

Even though R2-D2's dialogue amounted only to beeps and whistles, the droid and his lanky friend C-3PO became two of the series' most beloved characters.

Baker returned for "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi," and reprised the role in three prequels released between 1999 and 2005.

Despite their onscreen rapport, Baker and Anthony Daniels, who played the protocol droid C-3P0, weren't close. Baker accused Daniels of being snobbish; Daniels was once quoted by Britain's Daily Mirror as saying Baker "might as well be a bucket."

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Baker also appeared in films including "The Elephant Man," ''Time Bandits," ''Willow" and "Labyrinth."